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A push by Ohio State University student leaders has the city of Columbus asking the state to
reduce the speed limit on a busy, narrow section of E. Lane Avenue that runs through a residential
neighborhood.

The city has asked the Ohio Department of Transportation to drop the posted speed limit from 35
mph to 25 mph on Lane between High and Summit streets. That section is traveled by students driving
to and from campus. Many students also walk along Lane and frequently jaywalk.

A city traffic study recorded 75 crashes and incidents involving damage to cars — including
parked cars that were sideswiped — from Jan. 1, 2009, through Dec. 31, 2011, said Rick Tilton,
spokesman for the city’s Public Service Department. Also, a pedestrian and a bicycle rider were
struck in that area during that period, he said.

Representatives of OSU’s Undergraduate Student Government went to the city’s Transportation and
Pedestrian Commission in November 2011 asking for a speed study and more crosswalks. The commission
recommended in March that the speed limit be reduced.

Nick Parker, a 23-year-old senior and Student Senate member who lives on Lane Avenue, said he
decided to speak with city officials after he saw a speeding car strike a student crossing the
street in September 2011.

Tilton said monitors checked speed along Lane between High and Summit streets and found that 85 p
ercent of the cars were traveling at 29 mph, less than the posted speed limit. That showed the
city that drivers find the need to slow down there.

The Ohio Department of Transportation should make a decision within 30 days, spokeswoman Breanna
Watzka said.

Community leaders called a 25 mph speed limit a good idea.

“It’s a long time coming,” said Doreen Uhas Sauer, who leads the University Area
Commission.Joaquin Serantes, a University Area commissioner, said he’s not sure how well drivers
will obey a slower speed limit.“The car always wants to go faster than that,” said Serantes, who
represents that neighborhood.

Carl Miller, 23, a graduate student from Newark, said he’s hopeful it will work. He said he
parallel parks on Lane and worries about fast drivers rear-ending his car.

“It’s a little nerve-wracking,” Miller said.The request comes at a time when the university and
city have been trying to raise traffic-safety awareness after four incidents in which students were
struck while biking or walking near campus.